Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Draft Breakdown

It was pretty well known Bucs head coach Raheem Morris coveted Freeman. He's very big, athletic, and has a strong arm. Can he adjust to the NFL properly? Is he ready for the NFL? There's a lot of questions about Freeman, but the Bucs obviously feel he's the franchise QB. It's something this team has coveted from Day 1, and they are gambling on Freeman being the man.

3.Roy Miller, DT, Texas

Very good pick, he fits Jim Bates defense and fills a need. Miller is likely to compete and be a starting DT right away. His competition being Ryan Sims, Dre Moore, and Greg Peterson. So if he's as good as he and others think he is, he should have a big impact on the Buccaneers defense in 2009.

4.Kyle Moore, DE, USC

He's very big and physical. Good against the run, which is something the Bucs covet after their terrible play against the run to end the year. He's obviously the replacement for Kevin Carter. He led all Trojans in sacks last year with only 5, but Jim Bates is good with working with defensive linemen. Don't be surprised if Adams/Moore is the Bucs DE tandem and they have some success.

5.Xiaver Fulton, OT, Illinois

I don't understand this pick. Sure you can always use depth at OT. But we didn't have many draft picks and we could've grabbed some players who can help a position of need. Not to say Fulton is a bad player, he's got some upside and the Bucs have been money with drafting offensive linemen since 2006, but I wish the Bucs would've gone in a different direction.

7.EJ Biggers, CB, Western Michigan

The Bucs needed to grab a corner somewhere in the draft. But they probably waited a little too late by taking one in the seventh round. Biggers has some upside for a seventh round pick, and it's not like the Bucs have a lot of corners worth a darn. He's got a legit shot to be on the opening day roster as possibly the No.4 corner, or maybe even the nickel back if he impresses over Elbert Mack.

7.Sammie Stroughter, WR, Oregon State

He's not big, nor is he fast. But he's a guy who made a lot of plays on the football field. Mel Kiper compared him to another Oregon State WR who was drafted in the seventh round who is a Pro Bowler for the Seahawks. Will he be Houshmandzadeh? No, but he's another guy with upside for a seventh rounder. The Bucs lack depth at WR so he'll get a legit chance to make the opening day roster if he can beat out Dexter Jackson, Kelly Campbell, Paris Warren, and Maurice Stovall.

Overall Grade: B+

Analysis:

I like it, a potential franchise QB. Some DL help, and two guys in the seventh round with some potential to be contributors. Good solid draft for a team that wasn't loaded with picks. Not the sexiest draft, we won't be anyone's draft weekend winners. But it's a good start for a new front office.